KATH HOLTOM-LA governor

 I have been an LA Governor for a number of years serving on many local governing bodies for various terms. I feel very privileged to be a governor and to have served as Chair of Governors at Hadfield Infant School for a number of decades covering the headships of 5 different female head teachers each with their different management styles. My experience as a teacher, senior leader and deputy head at St Philip Howard School complemented my years of service as a governor...

My governor roles were linked initially t to being a Borough Councillor for Hadfield and holding various civic positions alongside my husband David. I have always taken the governor role very seriously. It has changed considerably over the years and today governors are an essential part of the leadership and management in a school This is not in relation to day to day management but play strategic roles ensuring high quality education for all children, accountability in their roles of Head and staff and overseeing a balanced budget where value for money is in evidence

I have experienced Ofsted inspections as a teacher, school manager but more often as a governor. The goalposts and the criteria on which judgements about schools are based have changed frequently. I was absolutely thrilled that under the inspirational leadership of Mrs Frankie Dodd Hadfield Infant School was clearly identified as a GOOD SCHOOL at our last inspection. Mrs Dodd has embraced the changes introduced in November 2025 with staff and governors and continues to move the school forward in every possible innovative way. Our new Chair of Governors Catherine Ward has been a tremendous asset to the school with her professional skills, attention to detail and very competent scrutiny of policies and finance. I am really delighted and have every confidence that she has taken over from me and brings a refreshing and technical proficiency to the role and will lead the experienced team of governors into a new era following the school’s 60^th anniversary. She has been a real support to me personally and this support will continue as she works with Mrs Dodd, the staff team and governors in the interests of all our children at Hadfield Infants School.

Kath Holtom-Local Authority Governor

(Former Chair 1987-2026)

LINK governor - Health & Safety, Humanities-History/Geography, RE/RHE/PSHE-British Values.

Reappointed in January 25^th 202 for a 4 year term.

Attendance at Meetings 25-26

FGB 4/4 RMC 5/5 TLC 3/3 Curriculum Presentations and meetings with curriculum leaders